Weight Distribution System And Towing Mirror Recommendations For 2009 Chevrolet Suburban

Question:

My tow vehicle is a 2009 Chevy Suburban 1500 with towing package, 3.42 axle ratio and max trailer weight of 8,100 lbs. Max tongue 1000 lbs, GVWR = 7200, GCWR 14,000. Im buying a 2015 Rockwood Roo 233S. Dry weight 4,365, hitch weight estimated at 623 lbs, GVWR 6,402 I think I need Pro series wt dist with sway control at 10,000 GTW and 1000 TW. Correct? Any guidance on this? Also, I need tow mirrors. Any suggestions?

asked by: Gerard F

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the great information about your 2009 Chevrolet Suburban and your new trailer. It really helps when we try to find components that work best for you.

You will want to choose a system where the tongue weight falls near the middle of the weight distribution system range. The tongue weight will be the tongue weight of the fully-loaded ready-to-tow trailer added to the weight of any cargo placed behind the rear axle of your towing vehicle.

A system like the Pro Series Weight Distribution System, part # PS499903, you referenced has a tongue weight range between 750 and 1000 lbs. This may be a bit too high for the numbers you stated.

Based on the numbers you stated about tongue weight and gross vehicle weight I recommend the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control, part # RP66087. The tongue weight range for this system is 400 to 800 lbs. The 623 lbs you stated falls very near the middle of this. This system features self-adjusting sway control and adjustable round spring bars. This system includes the sway-control cams, the head assembly, the lift brackets, spring bars, lift chains, and all necessary hardware.

I recommend the Reese Weight Dist Shank, part # RP54970. This has a 5-1/4 inch rise or a 2 inch drop. If a little more rise or drop is needed then I recommend the Convert-A-Ball Shank, part # AMAC1.

For a 2 inch diameter hitch ball I recommend part # A-90. If you need a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball I recommend part # 19286.

For towing mirrors on your Suburban, we do offer a couple that you might want to check out. One set of mirrors I recommend is the K Source Custom Towing Mirrors, part # KS80900. These mirrors have built-in clips that grab the inside edges of your factory mirrors. These will not fit extendable or telescoping mirrors, or power folding mirrors.

Another set of mirrors I recommend is the CIPA Custom Towing Mirrors, part # CM10900. These will not fit telescopic mirrors.

I have attached links to some helpful articles, product review videos, and installation videos you may want to take a look at.